How do u guys remove the oil filter? I can't wrap with my hands around the oil filter for the life of me

 

Filter wrench, Channel-lock pliers, drive a screwdriver through it, or Kung-Fu grip.

 

Jk.
Series 1 on top?

 

Get a better weapon.

 

yes how do you remove it ?

 

I'm not good at posting links, but there are filter "wrenches", not really a wrench, that open and close with a 3/8 drive fitting on top that you can use with a ratchet or breaker bar with an extension.
I have a 1/2 to 3/8 extension that I use with a 1/2 ratchet.
I usually don't need it, as I'm careful to tighten my filters no more than a 1/2 turn by hand.
You open it up, place on top, and when you turn it counterclockwise, it tightens up on the filter.

 

Get another filter of the same brand and model, bring it to Autozone or Advance or PepBoys or Sears. Go to their display of filter sockets and test fit them until you find a match. Buy the socket for $4. Bring it home and take off the filter.

Something like this:


I noticed that the Purelator brand needed a different size socket than the OEM Mazda, so you want to make sure you bring the same brand and model of what is on there. Presumably you already have that replacement on hand.

 

+1
This works great with a wobble joint and extension!

 

The one I talked about is adjustable, kind of a claw lookin thing.

 

this:

its what i use as well

but that is mainly because the S2 requires a pet chimp to get to the filter easily if you dont have one.

 

This is what I use, along with a long socket extension.

 

I've never seen that one before.
I bought mine like 20 yrs ago when I was doing mechanic work. Comes in handy for different vehicles, like when my girls were still livin at home and I was takin care of 4 vehicles.

 

Whatever you do don't put a screwdriver thru it and try to break it free that way. I made that mistake once, it just made it harder. Channel locks on the other hand.. But that's only if its been over tightened. The socket looking ones work best for our cars.

 

If you're in a rush, you can also wrap an electrical extension cord around the circumference and twist in the appropriate direction.

 

sheet of sandpaper over top of the filter will allow you to get a grip on it, then just sack up and spin it off. a strap wrench will work too if its small enough. the tool that al posted is the best imo

 

lthanks guys..many options to choose from..all i need is a filter socket and a long extension..where did u guys get them from? ebay..autozone..which exntension should i buy at advanced?

 

lucky where are you from? im sure a member local to you would show you what you need and how to do it

 

This is why I only get the K&N Filters, the very first time I did an oil change without a nut on the top of the filter was the last time I was going to mess around with that.

 

+1

Check this out: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...emoval-245481/

 

1) cover front fender with towel
2) Stand at tire and face forward.
3) with right hand reach in to get to oil filter. You will have to go under the hose.
4) Once you have your hand on the filter, twist and turn.
5) after it is loose, put paper towels around filter to catch extra oil spill.

 

 

+ 1

 

In my experience these are the worst filter removal tool. I broke two trying to remove the last filter, had to resort to the old "smash a screwdriver through and twist" trick. Which in itself was a pain in the *** too since there is no room

Would never buy one of those again, but that's just my opinion